The Siemer Institute is a public charity based in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to assisting families across the United States in achieving greater housing stability and enhancing their children's educational prospects. Founded in 2003 by former schoolteacher Barbara Siemer with support from her husband Al, the organization operates as a subordinate organization under the Columbus Foundation. The Institute functions as a backbone organization, providing funding, research, and networking opportunities to a national network of community partners.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$23.7M
+13.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$18.6M
+21.9% YoY
Grant Count
78
-51.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$239K
+151.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To invest in the potential of children through family stability.
Vision: Thriving children, strengthened families, and connected communities.
The Siemer Institute employs a two-generation (2Gen) approach, supporting entire households so their children can thrive. Primary focus areas include:
- Preventing family homelessness and eviction
- Reducing school instability by keeping children in their schools
- Providing eviction prevention services
- Offering financial guidance and healthcare access
- Supporting educational opportunities for school-age children
Core values guiding the organization include Stability, Opportunity, Compassion, Learning, and Collaboration.
Grantmaking
The Siemer Institute provides challenge grants to community organizations implementing 2Gen programs.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Siemer Institute operates a national network spanning 39 states, with over 150 service providers and 74 funded partner sites. Primary geographic focus areas include Ohio, Florida, and Texas, with significant activity in communities including:
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Treasure Valley, Idaho
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Long Island, New York
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $23,655,323
- Total annual giving: $18,642,500
- Total revenues: $19,369,986
- Total expenses: $19,628,589
- Staff: 2 employees
Rating: The organization holds a three-star rating with a 75% score based on Accountability & Finance metrics.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $23,655,323 | $20,804,216 | $14,723,038 |
| Revenue | $19,369,986 | $10,349,930 | $6,610,682 |
| Expenses | $19,628,589 | $16,089,368 | $5,269,556 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $729,605 | $319,995 | $340,682 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include United Way of Central Ohio Inc ($1,940,000), Family Promise Inc ($1,100,000), United Way of Greater Atlanta ($720,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CAMPAIGN FOR WORKING FAMILIES PHILADELPHIA, PA | SOCIAL SERVICES | $247,500 |
| CAPITAL AREA UNITED WAY BATON ROUGE, LA | SOCIAL SERVICES | $168,000 |
| FAMILY PROMISE INC SUMMIT, NJ | SOCIAL SERVICES | $1,100,000 |
| GREATER TWIN CITIES UNITED WAY MINNEAPOLIS, MN | SOCIAL SERVICES | $360,000 |
| HEART OF ARKANSAS UNITED WAY LITTLE ROCK, AR | SOCIAL SERVICES | $120,000 |
| HEART OF FLORIDA UNITED WAY ORLANDO, FL | SOCIAL SERVICES | $210,000 |
| HEART OF INDIANA UNITED WAY MUNCIE, IN | SOCIAL SERVICES | $55,000 |
| HEART OF WEST MICHIGAN UNITED WAY GRAND RAPIDS, MI | SOCIAL SERVICES | $180,000 |
| METRO UNITED WAY INC LOUISVILLE, KY | SOCIAL SERVICES | $410,000 |
| MILE HIGH UNITED WAY INC DENVER, CO | SOCIAL SERVICES | $120,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Kimberly Dorniden – President & National Executive Director
- Amanda Wampler – National Operations Director
- Dayna McCrary – National Program Director
- Robyn Davis – National Analytics and Evaluation Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARBARA SIEMER | CHAIR/DIRECTOR | 1.5 | — |
| ELIZABETH SIEMER | PRESIDENT & VICE CHAIR/DIR | 1.5 | — |
| TANNY CRANE | VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | 1.5 | — |
| DOUGLAS F KRIDLER | SECRETARY/DIRECTOR | 1.5 | — |
| SCOTT G HEITKAMP | TREASURER/DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| KIMBERLY A HABASH DORNIDEN | PRESIDENT & NATIONAL DIR. | 50 | $221,433 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Siemer Institute has made significant grant announcements in recent periods:
Siemer Institute Awards Family Promise $1.5 Million Grant for Family ...Family Promise received a $1.5 million grant for family stability initiatives
Siemer Institute Awards Family Promise $1.5 Million Grant for Family ...United Way of Long Island received $125,000 in funding
UNITED WAY OF LONG ISLAND RECEIVES $125,000 FROM THE SIEMER INSTITUTE | UnitedThe organization continues to expand its network and deepen partnerships with community organizations
**2024 Program Outcomes:**
65% of families increased their income
72% of families obtained or maintained stable housing
97% of families avoided unplanned school moves
Contact Information
Address: 1234 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205-1405
Phone: 614-251-4000
EIN: 81-4859121
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Siemer Institute fund?
**Mission:** To invest in the potential of children through family stability. **Vision:** Thriving children, strengthened families, and connected communities. The Siemer Institute employs a two-generation (2Gen) approach, supporting entire households so their children can thrive. Primary focus areas include: • Preventing family homelessness and eviction • Reducing school instability by keeping children in their schools • Providing eviction prevention services • Offering financial guidance and h…
How do I apply for a grant from Siemer Institute?
The Siemer Institute provides challenge grants to community organizations implementing 2Gen programs. **Grant Activity (2024):** • Total giving: $18,642,500 • Typical award range: $7,500–$1,940,000 • Notable 2024 grants include: • United Way of Central Ohio: $1,940,000 • Family Promise: $1,100,000 • United Way of Greater Atlanta: $720,000 The organization made 78 grants in 2024, with additional grants distributed to organizations across multiple states. **Approach:** The Siemer Institute funds …
Where does Siemer Institute make grants?
The Siemer Institute operates a national network spanning 39 states, with over 150 service providers and 74 funded partner sites. Primary geographic focus areas include Ohio, Florida, and Texas, with significant activity in communities including: • Milwaukee, Wisconsin • Treasure Valley, Idaho • Atlanta, Georgia • Long Island, New York
What size grants does Siemer Institute award?
In 2024, Siemer Institute awarded 78 grants totaling $18.6M — an average of about $239K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Siemer Institute's EIN?
Siemer Institute's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-4859121. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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